Living and learning : I recognise my talents
What a wonderful homework review we enjoyed this week! We were treated to gymnastics, dance, bike riding, athletics, basketball, football, fitness skills, dog training, art, music, singing, book-making and skating – to name just a few. The children were excited to show off their talents in our usual homework review session. Thank you for the video emails and music CDs. We cannot access memory sticks on school computers. Please use the email addresses below for any future digital homework.
Y1scholeshomework@spherefederation.org
Y2scholeshomework@spherefederation.org
Living and learning – democracy in action
We have recently finished reading Five on a Treasure Island by Enid Blyton, which the children all enjoyed immensely. We have been enjoying picture books and poetry at storytime recently but several children have asked when we are starting our next class novel.
I like a chapter book because then you can look forward to hearing the next part every day!
To ensure the book was chosen democratically, every child could vote for the one they would like next. We have ordered the books and will be starting Dear Teddy Robinson after the Easter holidays.
New email address for homework
We have had lots of enquiries about emailing homework. The office email address is on the website but, from now on, any specific homework for year 1s or year 2s should be sent to the following addresses –
Y2scholeshomework@spherefederation.org
Dancing raisins? Yes, it’s our science lesson!
This week, we were learning about scientific processes – particularly predicting. Children were asked if they thought the type of liquid (still or fizzy water) would affect if a raisin floated or sank. Predicting in science is all about a ‘thinking guess’ and using what you know to help you.
I think the bubbles in the fizzy water will make the raisin float.
I think the raisins will sink because they are small.
I think the raisins will turn back into grapes.
The children observed how the raisins sank straight to the bottom in the still water. In the fizzy water, the raisins ‘danced’ up and down and they noticed how the bubbles stuck to the raisins and pushed them up.
Why not have a try at home? Does it work with other objects?
Amazing art
This week children had the opportunity to explore tone. They added white or black to a colour to make it lighter or darker. Don’t forget to come along to our Pop-Up Art Gallery on Tuesday 26 March at 3.30pm to view and ‘purchase’ your child’s art work.
Living and Learning – strong emotions
We have been talking about strong emotions in our Living and Learning sessions. Children need to be able to identify their emotions and understand that some emotions feel very big but that they do pass and change over time.
Help at home by watching this video about a lost alien. Talk about how Beegu might feel and if they have ever felt those same emotions.
One potato, two potato, three potato…
We have planted some potatoes outside our classrooms and will be watching them grow over the next few months!
Living and Learning-Strong Emotions (Positive and Negative)
In KS1, we continually discuss our emotions. It is part of our emotional intelligence to be aware of what we and others are feeling. It is also key that we know strategies for dealing with strong emotions. Mindfulness, breathing, talking and counting are all strategies that we can use to prevent us from negatively reacting to a strong emotion. How do you cope with a strong emotion? Have you discussed this with your child?
An important message that we re-emphasise with the children is that it’s ok to feel the way that you do. You may feel like it for an hour, a day, a week, a month or even a year but feelings do change. You won’t feel the same forever. We know that healthy children are in a better position to learn and being healthy includes our physical, social, emotional and psychological selves. We are in the business of supporting healthy life long learners. How are you feeling today?
Class novel Big Topic – homework
There were some lovely examples of homework this week. Children wrote poems, drew pictures, made cartoon strips, maps and posters to name a few! Thank you for supporting the children at home.
World Book Day 2019
Wow! Our costumes are very impressive, don’t you agree? We have thoroughly enjoyed dressing up and celebrating books today. Sharing books and poems with other children and adults throughout the school has been a highlight. Thank you for supporting your child/children with their costumes. We’ve had a fantastic day!
